Baby bonus leading to fatter kids: economist

Baby bonus leading to fatter kids: economist

A Canberra economist says an increase in the baby bonus could lead to unhealthier children.

Research by the Australian National University’s (ANU) Andrew Leigh and a colleague suggests the introduction of the baby bonus in 2004 led to more children being born overweight, because their deliveries were deliberately delayed to obtain the bonus.

Dr Leigh says a planned increase in the baby bonus from July 1 this year could produce a similar outcome.

“I think people are very familiar with the fact that premature and very light babies tend to have worse health outcomes,” he said.

“But it’s actually also the case that very heavy babies also have worse health outcomes.